Harambee Stars beats DR Congo in historic CHAN 2024 debut at packed Kasarani Stadium

Kenya has made a dream debut at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, securing a hard-fought 1–0 win over two-time champions DR Congo in front of a sold-out crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.

A composed first-half strike from Austin Odhiambo proved to be the difference in this tightly contested Group A opener. Backed by a deafening crowd of 60,000 fans, the hosts overcame early nerves to announce their arrival on the continental stage in emphatic fashion.

The CHAN tournament, held every two years, is exclusively for players competing in their home country’s domestic leagues—a platform designed to spotlight emerging local talent. And on this occasion, Kenya’s rising stars delivered.

DR Congo appeared to have taken the lead early when Jephté Kitambala found the net within five minutes. However, their celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal offside—a let-off that jolted Kenya into action.

Though the Congolese dominated early possession, Kenya gradually settled, showing impressive discipline and tactical awareness. The breakthrough came just before the break when David Sakwa slipped a precise through ball to Odhiambo, who calmly finished with his left foot in the 45+2 minute, sending Kasarani into a frenzy.

The goal carried weight beyond the scoreline—it was symbolic of a debutant side taking charge against a continental heavyweight, and it injected fresh confidence into the Kenyan camp.

Determined to avoid another disappointing tournament—having failed to score a single goal in the 2022 edition—DR Congo came out strong in the second half. They mounted pressure with a flurry of set-pieces, with Kitambala and Jonathan Mokonzi both going close with headers.

But Kenya stood firm.

Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi pulled off a crucial fingertip save in the 59th minute to deny a powerful long-range strike from Heltone Kayembe. At the back, defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija remained composed under pressure.

To maintain control in midfield and preserve the narrow lead, head coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes, introducing Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to help see out the match.

The seven minutes of added time proved tense, but Kenya’s resilience held.

The hosts secured a historic first-ever CHAN win, becoming just the third debutant nation to claim victory in their opening fixture of the tournament.

For DR Congo, the result extends their winless streak in CHAN to five matches, leaving them with everything to play for in their remaining Group A fixtures.

Kenya now turns its focus to a crucial clash against Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo will look to bounce back against Morocco.

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